Rebecca's Story {First Draft}

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Rebecca just wanted to be free of this crumbling house these people, telling her who to marry and who not to marry.

"I am twenty years old, old enough to make my own decisions" she thought to herself, she just wanted to run and be on her own for awhile.

It was a glorious day the sun was shining just perfect to go for a walk, she took the route through the woods as she often had, she loved the woods and how they were constantly changing with each passing season.

As she looked down from the clear blue sky and on to the dirt path that lay before her and all of a sudden she sees a man's figure not far in front. The figure was facing his back to her with a green jacket on as she knew of no one in the local area that would be walking this way so early in the morning.

It dawned on her that perhaps it could be  Arthur again she wondered for a minute if this gentleman might not notice her if she just turned around and head back, but as soon as she started to walk back from where she came, she heard a voice from behind her.

"Miss, um......miss."

Unfortunately Rebecca couldn't get out of this one, although her suspicions did indeed want some answers of who this person was. Turn around and as she had presumed it was Arthur standing before. she felt embarrassed for the way she acted when she met him last.

"My names Rebecca Meadow, I think we have already met before" answered Rebecca as she curtsied .

"Oh yes I remember " replied Arthur he paused "please madam, I'm afraid I'm lost, I was on my way to visit Mr Meadows you don't happen to be related to him or know where he lives? please miss I can see I am annoying you so tell me the way the Mr Meadows is and I will be on my way."

"Yes, you're quite right we are related,he is my father and I am just on my way back, from my morning walk just follow my steps." she said wishing she was not on her way back but rather the other way.

Most of the way back it was silent, the only sound that broke the silence was that of the birds singing and occasionally Arthur humming.

As they drew near the house, Arthur asked "What a stunning place you have here, have you always lived here?"

she could see he was trying his hardest to make conversation she thought she should try a least.

"Indeed Mr Longford since my great grandfather, this house has been through many a life time, do you live near?"she inquired.

"No, when I was nineteen I move from Ireland, Kerry if you must know. Then to England to study the law and during my stay I met Albert. He was also studying the law at that time before he decided he wanted to join the navy he became like family for two years and then he left. He did come and visit during his breaks though . I decided to come and stay here for a little as I have family here I'd forgotten about Albert having family here ......" he replied. An awkward silence filled the air.

"I do wonder though sir there is one thing missing. How can you be his best friend when I have never heard of you? or even met you? you did not even turn up to his funeral either. " worried she would soon burst into tears she quickens her pace remarkably, not giving him a chance to explain himself.

Arthur's face could not be explained either he was not expecting such questions to be asked. he understood now that she was not like the other girls around here....... he couldn't describe her.

Arthur quickens his pace grabbing her arm ever so slightly making sure he does not hurt her and pulls to a stop, properly being able to see her for the first time seeing her eyes watering.

"I realise talking of Albert causes you upset but you have asked me a question and I am obligated to explain myself for I have my reasons but you ran off. Leaving me quite astonished if you must know. So now please now let me explain....." he let go of her arm and looked at her, he now had her full attention, realising his plead in his eyes.

"I am sorry, I realise that was a bit harsh and not the right way to go about it and how polite society would not have acted that way and for that I am sorry, please answer my questions, if it is your wish." She looks down towards her feet embarrassed by her actions.

" You do not have to worry about society, I'm fed up with it myself. " He smiled as she smiled back quite agreeing with him.

As he opened his mouth once again to explain himself , Grace came skipping towards them with a face as bright as the sun she was always intrigued to meet new people. Rebecca supposed she'll now never know the answers to her questions.

"Grace meet Mr Longford, this is my younger sister." Rebecca introduced .

"No please call me Arthur, I am put at ease then,only call me Mr Longford when doing business with me or I have done something wrong, alright?" he said with a big smile towards Grace as he went to her height to shake her hand.

"Alright Arthur, I am beginning to like you a lot already I feel we will be terrible good friends."replied Grace.

"I am glad Miss Meadow." he replied.

"It's Grace if you don't mind."

Regardless to what Grace was going to say, Rebecca didn't give her a chance and immediately stepped in. "If you would follow me my father should be in his study" He trailed behind her as requested whilst he talked with Grace, rather amusingly.

Rebecca reached her fathers study and knocked the door to her surprise no one answered, she knocked a little louder and still no answer. She opened the door a little, And then preceded to opened the door wider.

She looked around his study, puzzled that her father was nowhere to be seen. She ushered Arthur in and and said "sit down if you wish, my father should not be to long" and within that second Rebecca had gone.

He was now on his own so he looked around the study and admiringmany books on the shelves he had obliviously been in the law sometime. As he looked round the room he saw some paintings, he wondered who the painter was?